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Category: Football

Champions League Returns with Expanded Format, City Faces Inter Reunion

Champions League Returns with Expanded Format, City Faces Inter Reunion

By September 18, 2024 0

Manchester City is bracing for its Champions League reunion with Inter Milan in the opening round of an expanded tournament that will be “so tough” for the 2023 winner. Pep Guardiola’s side defeated Inter 1-0 in the final two seasons ago, with Rodri’s goal securing its first Champions League crown on a memorable night in Istanbul.

City defender Manuel Akanji is not a fan of the new format due to the increased burden it will place on players in a grueling season that will conclude with Guardiola’s men competing in the Club World Cup in the United States.

It will be intriguing to see how Guardiola navigates the pursuit of another European title and a fifth successive Premier League crown amid the financial breaches case that could plunge the club into turmoil.

Rodri played his first 45 minutes of the season against Brentford after a hamstring injury suffered in the Euro 2024 final victory against England. With England defenders John Stones and Kyle Walker also making their first starts this term, Guardiola is close to having all his stars available just in time for a hectic period.

For more than a decade, Paris Saint-Germain’s Qatari owners have spent lavishly to attract big stars, but the Champions League crown remained a distant dream. The superstars have all now left the Parc des Princes, and it might sound paradoxical, but the club may be better equipped in its quest for continental glory.

Coach Luis Enrique insisted on molding what he had, and his project makes sense. Enrique asked for the recruitment of less-known but excellent players in every sector to create competition and have second options at every position. This could be even more crucial this season as the Champions League’s new format will see more teams playing more games. PSG starts on Wednesday against Spanish side Girona.

Borussia Dortmund, finalist last season, has undergone a summer of upheaval on and off the pitch ahead of Wednesday’s clash at Club Brugge. Dortmund’s unlikely run to last season’s final masked a poor domestic season. The result was a summer rebuild, with the club parting ways with Dortmund-born coach Edin Terzic and several regular players.

Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy and Germany center-back Waldemar Anton joined from Stuttgart, while German internationals Maximilian Beier and Pascal Gross have also signed for the club. The first European test comes at Belgian champions Club Brugge.

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Santosh Kashyap Appointed as Head Coach of Indian Women's Football Team

Santosh Kashyap Appointed as Head Coach of Indian Women’s Football Team

By September 18, 2024 0

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has appointed Santosh Kashyap as the new head coach of the national senior women’s team, replacing former international player Chaoba Devi. Kashyap’s first assignment will be the SAFF Women’s Championships to be held in Kathmandu, Nepal, from October 17 to 30.

Kashyap, a former India international, brings almost a decade of coaching experience in the I-League, having managed clubs like Mohun Bagan, Aizawl FC, and Mumbai FC. The 58-year-old has also served as assistant coach of NorthEast United FC and Odisha FC in the Indian Super League.

Kashyap will be assisted by Priya PV and Raghuvir Pravin Khanolkar as goalkeeper coach. “Coaching the National Team is always an honor,” said Kashyap. “I am grateful to the AIFF President, Shri Kalyan Chaubey, the technical committee, the technical department, and other senior members of the federation for providing me the opportunity to coach the senior national women’s team.”

Kashyap expressed confidence in the current squad, stating, “I have full faith in the current set of players in the team. They are all bright players. But what we require to improve is technically. I am confident that I can give the needed input to the team members during the national camp.”

Regarding the SAFF Women’s Championships, Kashyap said, “I am aware that our result in the previous SAFF Championship didn’t meet the expectations. But this time, with the right tactics, approach, and decision-making ability, we can regain the title.”

“Football has become an extremely competitive sport, especially at the international level. So, we shouldn’t take any team lightly. SAFF is only the first step. Thereafter, I have a bigger plan in mind. I am sure, this team is capable of delivering the goods.”

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Liverpool Face Milan in Champions League Opener

Liverpool Face Milan in Champions League Opener

By September 17, 2024 0

Liverpool Face Tough Test in Champions League Opener Against AC Milan

Liverpool will begin their UEFA Champions League campaign with a challenging away fixture against Serie A giants AC Milan on Wednesday, September 18. The match will mark the debut of new Liverpool manager Arne Slot in the competition.

Liverpool enter the game on the back of a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. Despite winning the Champions League under Jurgen Klopp in 2019 and reaching the final twice more, pressure is mounting on Slot to deliver success in Europe.

Milan, meanwhile, have had a mixed start to their Serie A season, winning just one of their opening four league games. The Italian giants will be eager to make a statement in the Champions League and will pose a significant threat to Liverpool.

The match will be played at the iconic San Siro stadium in Milan, with kickoff scheduled for 12:30 AM IST. It will be live telecast on the Sony Sports network and live streamed on the SonyLIV app and website.

Liverpool will be without several key players for the match, including Thiago Alcantara, Diogo Jota, and Ibrahima Konate. Milan, on the other hand, will be boosted by the return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has been out injured since May.

The match is expected to be a close and competitive affair, with both teams desperate for a positive result. Liverpool will be looking to bounce back from their Premier League defeat and establish themselves as contenders in the Champions League, while Milan will be aiming to prove that they are still a force to be reckoned with in Europe.

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Real Madrid vs Stuttgart: Champions League Clash Kicks Off 2024-25 Season

Real Madrid vs Stuttgart: Champions League Clash Kicks Off 2024-25 Season

By September 17, 2024 0

Real Madrid, the reigning UEFA Champions League champions, will commence their 2024-25 campaign at home against VfB Stuttgart, the German Bundesliga runners-up. The match, scheduled for Wednesday, September 18 (IST), marks the first of eight group games in the revamped Champions League format.

Real Madrid, under the guidance of manager Carlo Ancelotti, will be bolstered by the return of midfield stars Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni from injury. The Spanish giants have enjoyed a positive start to their La Liga campaign, with summer signing Kylian Mbappe scoring in their previous two matches.

Stuttgart, on the other hand, have endured an inconsistent start to their Bundesliga season, winning one, drawing one, and losing one of their opening three fixtures. The German club will be eager to make a statement against the European champions and secure a positive result in their first Champions League group stage match.

The match will be played at the iconic Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, with kickoff scheduled for 12:30 AM (IST). Fans can catch the live telecast on the Sony Sports network, while live streaming will be available on the SonyLIV app and website.

Real Madrid will be the heavy favorites heading into the match, but Stuttgart will be determined to cause an upset. The German club has a history of performing well in European competitions, reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League in 2018.

The return of Bellingham and Tchouameni will provide a significant boost to Real Madrid’s midfield, while Mbappe’s goalscoring prowess will be crucial in breaking down Stuttgart’s defense. The German club will need to be at their best to contain Real Madrid’s attacking threats and create chances of their own.

The match promises to be an exciting clash between two teams with contrasting styles and ambitions. Real Madrid will be aiming to extend their dominance in Europe, while Stuttgart will be looking to make a name for themselves on the continental stage.

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Al Nassr Parts Ways with Coach Luis Castro Amid Ronaldo's Saudi Struggles

Al Nassr Parts Ways with Coach Luis Castro Amid Ronaldo’s Saudi Struggles

By September 17, 2024 0

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Arabian club, Al Nassr, has parted ways with Portuguese coach Luis Castro, marking the third managerial departure since the arrival of the legendary forward. The decision comes after a disappointing start to the AFC Champions League Elite campaign and a sluggish domestic season.

Castro’s exit follows a 1-1 draw against Iraq’s Al Shorta in the Asian competition, compounding Al Nassr’s struggles in the Saudi Pro League. The club finished a distant second last season and has drawn twice in three matches this term.

Ronaldo’s arrival in January 2023 sparked a wave of high-profile signings by Saudi clubs, including Neymar and Karim Benzema. However, the 39-year-old is yet to win a domestic trophy with Al Nassr, with his only silverware being the Arab Club Champions Cup last year.

Castro’s departure leaves Al Nassr searching for a new coach to guide them through the remainder of the season. The club’s management will be eager to find a tactician who can unlock Ronaldo’s full potential and lead the team to success.

The Portuguese coach’s exit also raises questions about the long-term viability of Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is nearing the end of his illustrious career and may be seeking a more competitive environment to showcase his talents.

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Mohun Bagan Super Giant Kicks Off AFC Champions League Two Campaign

Mohun Bagan Super Giant Kicks Off AFC Champions League Two Campaign

By September 17, 2024 0

Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the oldest surviving club in Asia, is set to embark on its international campaign in the AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) on Wednesday. The Kolkata-based club will host FC Ravshan Kulob of Tajikistan in the opening Group A league match at the Salt Lake Stadium.

As the Indian Super League shield champion, Mohun Bagan has earned its spot in ACL Two and is determined to make a positive start. The team’s legacy and the opportunity to represent India on the international stage will serve as motivation against FC Ravshan Kulob, a team they will face for the first time.

The group league stage will be played on a home-and-away basis, with the top two teams advancing to the knock-outs (round of 16). Mohun Bagan’s start to the season has been mixed, reaching the Durand Cup final but losing on penalties to NorthEast United FC. In the ISL, they drew 2-2 with Mumbai City FC, raising questions about their defensive quality.

Head coach Jose Molina acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, “The ACL Two is a big competition. All matches will be very difficult as all teams here are quite good. But tomorrow with our fans helping us, hopefully we can have a good match and get our first three points from the group stage.”

The competition rules allow an unlimited number of foreigners in a side, but Molina may face a slight disadvantage as two of his six imports, Australian forward Jamie Maclaren and Spanish defender Alberto Rodriguez, are nursing injuries. This could mean more responsibility for the Indian contingent, which Molina hopes will perform to its potential.

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Thiruvananthapuram Kombans Triumph 2-0 over Thrissur Magic FC in Home Opener

Thiruvananthapuram Kombans Triumph 2-0 over Thrissur Magic FC in Home Opener

By September 16, 2024 0

Thiruvananthapuram Kombans kicked off their home campaign with a resounding 2-0 victory over Thrissur Magic FC at the Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium on Monday.

The Kombans, playing in front of a boisterous home crowd, capitalized on set-piece opportunities to secure all three points in a scrappy encounter. T.M. Vishnu (15′) and Lalhmangaihsanga (69′) were the goal-scorers for the hosts.

Thrissur Magic failed to conjure any magic in the first half as Kombans dominated possession and created more chances. The hosts earned three corners in the opening quarter, and the opening goal came from the third. Captain Patrick Mota whipped in a dangerous cross, and Vishnu rushed in to head the ball past goalkeeper Sanjiban Ghosh’s near post.

Thrissur had its first glimpse of the Kombans goal in the 22nd minute when it was awarded a freekick on the edge of the box. Marcelo Toscano’s kick rebounded off the wall, and the striker retrieved the loose ball and passed it to Vineeth, who shot wide from close range.

Thrissur showed more cohesion towards the end of the first half and had a chance to equalize. Vineeth arrowed in a cross from the left, but Abhijith Sarkar failed to connect.

The visitors shed their timidity in the second half and strung together a few threatening moves down the flanks, but the Kombans defense held firm.

Kombans increased their lead against the run of play through another freekick. Mota whipped in the cross, Marcos Santos flicked it on to an unmarked Lalhmangaihsanga, who made no mistake.

The result leaves Thiruvananthapuram Kombans with three points from their opening match, while Thrissur Magic FC remains pointless after two games.

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La Liga: A Legacy of Footballing Excellence

La Liga: A Legacy of Footballing Excellence

By September 16, 2024 0

La Liga: A Comprehensive Guide to Spain’s Premier Football League

La Liga, the top-flight football league in Spain, has captivated fans worldwide with its thrilling matches, legendary players, and iconic clubs. Established in 1929, La Liga has witnessed some of the greatest moments in football history.

Origins and History

The inaugural season of La Liga was held in 1929-30, with Barcelona emerging as the first champions. Over the years, the league has undergone several changes, including the introduction of the three-point system in 1995 and the expansion to 20 teams in 1997.

Dominant Clubs

Real Madrid and Barcelona have been the dominant forces in La Liga, winning a combined 61 titles. Real Madrid holds the record for the most championships (35), while Barcelona has won 26. Other notable clubs include Atlético Madrid, Valencia, and Sevilla.

Legendary Players

La Liga has been graced by some of the greatest players in football history. Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Maradona, and Alfredo Di Stéfano are just a few of the iconic figures who have left an indelible mark on the league.

Key Statistics

* Most Appearances: Raul Gonzalez (550)
* Most Goals: Lionel Messi (474)
* Most Assists: Lionel Messi (217)
* Most Clean Sheets: Iker Casillas (177)

International Recognition

La Liga is widely regarded as one of the most competitive and entertaining football leagues in the world. Spanish clubs have consistently performed well in European competitions, with Real Madrid and Barcelona winning a combined 14 UEFA Champions League titles.

Current Season

The 2023-24 season of La Liga is currently underway, with Barcelona leading the standings. The league features a host of talented players, including Karim Benzema, Vinícius Júnior, and Pedri.

Conclusion

La Liga is a footballing powerhouse that has produced some of the greatest players and teams in history. Its thrilling matches, passionate fans, and iconic clubs make it a must-watch for any football enthusiast.

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Real Madrid Begin Champions League Defense with Mbappe in Tow

Real Madrid Begin Champions League Defense with Mbappe in Tow

By September 16, 2024 0

Real Madrid, the reigning Champions League champions, are poised to make a formidable run in this year’s competition with the addition of superstar striker Kylian Mbappe. The Spanish giants have won the tournament a record 15 times, and Mbappe’s arrival has only strengthened their chances of adding to their tally.

Madrid will kick off their campaign against German side Stuttgart on Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabeu. Coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has won the Champions League five times, is still fine-tuning his team’s setup to get the best out of Mbappe, but there is little doubt that the Frenchman will eventually find his scoring touch.

Mbappe had a strong performance in Madrid’s 2-0 win over Real Sociedad in La Liga on Saturday, threatening the Basque side with his pace and linking up well with Vinicius Junior in attack. He scored from the penalty spot and is eager to make his Champions League debut for Madrid.

“It will be very important for me,” Mbappe said. “I came to Madrid to live these type of nights. I am very focused on what we have to do. The Champions League has changed a lot, it’s a new competition, and we have to win to start well.”

Madrid’s new-look structure has given them ties at home against Dortmund, in a rematch of last season’s final, and away at Liverpool, whom they defeated in the 2022 final. First up, however, is Stuttgart, continuing a streak of German opponents for Los Blancos.

While Mbappe is grabbing the headlines, Ancelotti has a wealth of talent at his disposal. Bellingham was a key player for Madrid in the first half of last season, while Vinicius was vital in the home straight, scoring a brace in the semis against Bayern and again in the final.

Mbappe says he is working on his on-pitch relationship with Vinicius, with both netting penalties in the win over La Real. “We try to find each other in training to create the connection and help the team,” Mbappe said. “He’s a great player and I’m happy to play with him in Real Madrid.”

With Mbappe and Vinicius firing on all cylinders, Madrid’s chances of winning the Champions League yet again will grow even further.

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Manchester City's Fate Hangs in Balance as Financial Fair Play Trial Begins

Manchester City’s Fate Hangs in Balance as Financial Fair Play Trial Begins

By September 16, 2024 0

Manchester City, the reigning Premier League champions, are facing a pivotal moment in their history as they prepare to defend themselves against 115 charges of financial impropriety. The allegations, which span a decade from 2009 to 2018, have cast a shadow over the club’s remarkable success in recent years.

The charges stem from leaked documents that allegedly show City inflated sponsorship revenue from Abu Dhabi state-controlled entities to circumvent financial fair play regulations. The club is also accused of failing to cooperate with the Premier League’s investigation into the matter.

If found guilty, City could face severe sanctions, including a points deduction or even expulsion from the Premier League. Such a verdict would not only tarnish the club’s reputation but also raise questions about the integrity of the English top-flight.

The stakes are equally high for the Premier League. A guilty verdict against City would expose the league’s vulnerability to financial manipulation by state-backed clubs. On the other hand, if City are exonerated, the Premier League could be seen as a soft touch that is unable to hold its clubs accountable.

The hearing, which is expected to last at least two months, will be closely watched by football fans and industry experts alike. The outcome will have a profound impact on the future of Manchester City and the Premier League as a whole.

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